Had a Second Opinion and I have questions

shellbell1963

I went to get a second opinion and this doctor recommended a lympectomy and not a mastectomy. The first doctor gave me the choice of either and really didn't recommend either. Also the second doctor seemed to explained stuff better but however has ordered a Breast MRI. Has anyone had a Breast MRI after been diagnosed with breast cancer. The doctor also said my cancer was treatable. I have ER + PR + and Her2+ breast cancer and the area is .7 cm. I was told I will need chemo and radiation. I don't understand why both as this tumor is small but I understand it is aggressive. I am so scared of dying from chemotherapy. Anyone have had these thoughts or concerns or does anyone that has? I have been freaking out so bad and my 18 year old daughter is so scared with so much anxiety. I am sorry I just needed to get this all off my chest.

Thanks

doxie

shellbell,

So sorry you have to be here because of your DX.  We are here to help if possible.  This stage of treatment is difficult because you have so many decisions to make and don't have either the knowledge or experience.  Hopefully we can help somewhat.

If your cancer is HER2 positive, then chemo is standard.  I had chemo and worked all but a few days in each 3 week cycle.  Dying from chemo is rare.  You should ask your MO what the chances are.  I'd never did, but I suspect it is very low unless you have a serious health problem.  Remember you are fighting BC which can metastasize and cause death. 

If you have a lumpectomy (LX) then radiation is standard treatment.  Sometimes it is necessary with an MX, so cannot be avoided.  LX plus radiation has a better survival rate than MX alone, but the % of local recurrence is higher with LX than with MX.  I chose an LX.  Radiation was more an inconvenience than anything else.  I'm glad to still have my breast.  For me LX was the right decision.

ziggypop

Hi Shellbell, do not be scared of dying from chemo - you won't. There are people who can not tolerate chemo & what happens is that they take you off of it if you are one of those people. I had a breast MRI after being diagnosed - I think it is actually pretty standard practice. None of the imaging techniques they have are perfect, so before they start treatment, they want to make sure to get the best idea possible of what is going on in there. For instance - the MRI of my 'good' breast showed some calcifications which they would not have normally biopsied, but did (were B9). It's just precautionary.

If you have the choice of a lumpectomy or mastectomy, it really is up to you which way you go. ou might want to ask each oncologist which they recommend and why. The why part is important. You also will want to consider things that they can't - how important are those breasts to you, what are your feelings about surgery, etc. Remember that if you do a lumpectomy - you can always opt later for a mastectomy, but not the other way around.    

sandcastle

I also had a breast MRI after being diagnosed....liz

megomendy

I just had my second lumpectomy yesterday. Feeling pretty good. Not much pain at all. Before my surgery my doctor recommended an MRI just to see if there was anything else "lurking" in there (my word, not his).Your doctor is probably checking that the rest of your breast(s) are fine before he does just a lumpectomy. I would recommend taking a valium during the MRI or bringing someone with you as it is a little claustrophobic. I did neither but was fine.I would also recommend going with the doctor who you feel is better at talking to you and explaining things. Don't be afraid to go for a third opinion if you need to. I went to a doctor at Sloan, who agreed 100% with my surgeon. 

I also have to have chemo and radiation. Chemo is pretty scary, but people do not get as sick during it as they used to. And I've been told most women go to work during it, with just a few days off. Good luck with everything.

juneping

I also had a breast MRI before the surgery. i thought it's standard protocol, the purpose to get the MRI was to see the margin.

MrsDarcy

I also had an MRI before my surgery as well.  

msphil

I was diagnosed while making wedding plans, I thought about lumpectomy, But I decided on L mast, the chemo wasn,t as bad a s I thought I knew I could make it thru, I had HOPE, and so glad for my decisions, for I am now a 20 yr Survivor(Praise GOD) this yr. Hang in there come here often for Inspiration. msphil(idc, stage2, 0/3 nodes, L mas, chemo and rads and 5 yrs on tamoxifen) I did get married to a wonderful caring man.